The climbers have begun arriving at Mount Everest, bringing with them the
energy and spirit of adventure that has captivated us, and our imaginations,
now for almost a century.

This spring we at
EverestNews.com will embark upon our own journey to the mountain, picking up
from the last sighting of George Leigh Mallory and Andrew (Sandy) Irvine near
the summit during the British Everest Expedition of 1924.

The spirit of our expedition
is rooted in historical curiosity, and born out of a sense of honor and
respect to those who have ventured before us. Our objectives are to locate
Sandy Irvine, retrieve the camera it is believed he carried, and to
re-construct the final events to learn if the summit was gained. Our
intention is to return the personal possessions to the Irvine family as they
have requested of us, and most importantly, to give Sandy the Christian burial
as he deserves and as has been requested by the family.

We will need the help of the
entire climbing community while on Mount Everest. We have been asked by the
family that information from the mountain be relayed to them before this
information is given to anyone else. Please help us to respect the family’s
wishes. After a burial, in most countries it is a legal requirement that
thereafter the body remains untouched. The family requests this, and we join
them in their belief that this practice should be respected in the mountains.

We will attempt to treat the
subject with the utmost respect. We won't be perfect, but we will try very
hard. We will go very quietly and
very slowly. We will stay
focused and small. We need to stay on task and without complex agendas. No
reporters, no cameramen, and no interviews while on the mountain. Our
names are not important. This is not about us.